SPECIALIST INSIGHT
Can you tell us where AESGs story began and what happened in your career before that point ?
I was fortunate enough to spend my formative years in Dubai at a time when the city ’ s skyline was evolving at a breathtaking pace . The sight of iconic towers and spectacular designs fuelled my passion for architecture , inspiring me to pursue it academically .
Early in my career , I had the opportunity to work under the mentorship of a very talented architect called David Barbour , becoming one of the first members of his new practice . This time not only developed my skills as an architect , but also provided first hand insights into the intricacies and challenges of establishing and successfully running a business .
Throughout the day , I actively involve myself in key projects to ensure they align with our company values , philosophy and approach .
This experience was immensely valuable when Saeed Al Abbar and I founded AESG in 2011 . We both shared a deep interest in highperformance buildings and energy efficiency and felt there was a tremendous opportunity to elevate sustainable design practices in the Middle East ’ s built environment . AESG , initially took shape at a dining table before growing into a bustling office , welcoming our first members of staff .
Over the last 12 years , AESG ’ s remarkable journey has been defined by passion and enthusiasm for sustainability . We ’ ve expanded our footprint globally , establishing ourselves as a leading consultancy firm , employing over 300 incredibly talented professionals shaping the industry . From innovative urban developments to groundbreaking net-zero initiatives , our commitment to sustainable design and engineering has left a lasting impact .
What does your day-to-day look like at AESG ?
My day-to-day is a dynamic mix of activities focused on ensuring the company ’ s success and driving our vision for a more sustainable world . I typically start the morning with a routine that includes time with my family and prioritising tasks for the day . Once in the office , I engage with members of the executive team to align goals and review progress on projects or opportunities .
Throughout the day , I actively involve myself in key projects to ensure they align with our company values , philosophy and approach . I enjoy engaging with employees to share thoughts and ideas and ensure that we continue to foster a strong culture of creativity and collaboration .
Building strong relationships within the industry is essential , so I attend conferences , events and networking gatherings to form and develop these partnerships . I often arrange lunch meetings with existing or potential clients to understand their needs and help tailor solutions to ensure our services deliver on their expectations .
To wrap up the day , I set aside time to learn , read about industry trends and explore new ideas that can enhance our services and make a more significant impact . Sustainability is an ever-evolving field and to stay ahead , we need to remain innovative and research-oriented .
What are some of the greatest challenges your clients face ?
In the construction industry , one underlying challenge inevitably presents itself – the need to balance the Client ’ s ambition with the realities of budget and timeline constraints . While compromise might appear to be the eventual outcome , AESG has proved time and time again that with the right partner , these seemingly opposing objectives can be met .
Experience has shown us the key is to embrace integrated design . Construction is a highly complicated business with multiple stakeholders and each touchpoint has the potential to introduce inefficiencies that ultimately result in delays or budget overruns .
Can you tell us about Data + and how it has enhanced your services ?
Introducing Scott Coombes , Co-founder and Managing Partner of AESG – a visionary leader in sustainable architecture . His career journey began with a passion born from the iconic towers of Dubai , leading him in finding AESG , a global consultancy shaping the future of sustainable design . Coombes shares his focus on innovation and AI integration , offering insight into AESG ’ s conception and drive for a more sustainable world .
A common frustration in the construction industry is the sheer amount of documentation related to each project . While over the last decade , the sector has gradually moved away from traditional paper-based documentation to digital alternatives , issues around the accuracy and accessibility of building data continue to linger due to the static nature of the pdfs , spreadsheets and documents typically used in the process .
Data + is our proprietary digital commissioning , handover and asset management platform that enhances both the immediate and long-term value of the projects we deliver . Going far and beyond its basic use as a single source of truth for all stakeholders
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